Are there loads of Elizabeths and Esmes out there?

I thought I'd reply to this DD (3 this month) is an Elizabeth and I think you notice a name more if your child has it IFSWIM. DD is known by a shortening of Elizabeth and, since she's been born, I've come across maybe three or four other children under 11 with the same shortening & all at random places - one of them in the supermarket, one of them at the soft play & one at the zoo. Locally (so nursery, local playgroups & baby groups), I haven't come across any girls with her shortening and only know of one other Elizabeth under 5 & she is known as Beth. I have come across a few Elizabeths locally under 11 but literally no more than half a dozen & they have been known by a variety of shortenings. I get the impression (from these boards, newspapers, friends of friends choosing the name) that more old fashioned shortenings of the name such as Elsie & Betsy are becoming popular so there may be fewer Lizzies around - although that may change at school as, to me, that's the default shortening. As time goes by, I am increasingly pleased with our choice of name as its so flexible.

I can think of half a dozen Esmes that I know locally under the age of five and, obviously, that doesn't have as many shortenings so, if there is more than one at school or something, they are more likely to be known as Esme surname - or something more offensive. I remember we commonly referred to two boys in our class at school in the 70s as "Big Mike" and "Small Mike" which I'm sure neither of them enjoyed.

I need to change my mn name ;)

I have one niece called Esme and another on the other side called Elizabeth :/ I love both names and have only come across one other Esme, but in 11 years of teaching never an Elizabeth. Niece is known as lizzie, but i think its quite lovely.

My middle name, inherited from grandmother, is Elsebeth, the danish form of Elizabeth. Never met anyone with that name! Expecting a boy or would probably be using it myself!

I like it for ellabett, ellabeth, ella, ellie etc.

elizabeth is such a timeless,classic ,elegant name.
nicknames-libby,elise,beth,eliza.
such a gorgeous name.xxxxxxx

I have an Elizabeth and she is the only one in her entire school. I've never met another one her age although I do have two grown up friends with the same name. Who I met after I'd had her. She is Lizzie to everyone that knows her though. Mind you I always introduce her as Elizabeth.

I know several Esmes, of varying ages (16, 10, 3 and 2) but only 1 Elizabeth (7). Hope this helps.

Esme was an option for the kid - we didn't use it in the end because she came out looking like the other name, but I've since met two Esme's (and two with the same name as the kid)

Not met any new Liz's for about 15 years.

Also love the name Betty! Haven't met one in real life though.

I had my second daughter 8 months ago in edinburgh and haven't met either an Elizabeth or esme! There also aren't any in my three year olds all girls pre prep class. Lots of alexas, Islas and iris's though!

I have an Esme (just coming up to 2yrs old). Thought we'd chosen a lovely, and unusual name... but there are 2 others in a baby/toddler group we go to, and 3 others in baby yoga class. Maybe we just fit into a certain demographic....

If it helps, my dd is an Elizabeth & I don't know of any other Elizabeths (or any variations) or Esmes. No babies nor anyone at her primary school. I know of 1 Bethany. In fact the only Elizabeths I do know are in their 60s. Obviously I am biased but I do get a lot of compliments on her name.